Top 10 driving faults

10: Inappropriate speed – You should drive at a speed suitable for each road and not unnecessarily hold up traffic. Driving too slow is likely to marked as a driving fault and driving much slower than necessary is the 10th most common reason for failing the driving test.

9: Turn in the road – People messing up on this exercise is the ninth most common reason for failing the test. You should be able to carry out this manoeuvre showing good control with all round observation, including the rear view check on reversing which is often missed.

8: Lack of steering control – You will need to steer at the correct time for the speed you are driving at with enough steering to maintain control and road position. The tighter the turn then the slower the speed, with the correct gear selected. Hitting the kerb can also be marked as a steering fault.

7: Reversing around a corner – In at number seven is the exercise which requires reversing into a side road on the left. Like all manoeuvres good observations all around is very important and you must stay reasonably close to the kerb on this exercise without hitting it or going too wide.

6: Incorrect positioning: You must make sure you’re in the correct position for the direction you’re taking. Get in the correct lane early when necessary, look out for road signs and markings. Go the wrong way if necessary.

5: Use of signals – Failing to signal correctly is the fifth most common reason for failing the test. This may be failing to apply a signal in good time so other road users have enough warning of your intentions, it may be a confusing signal that was applied or simply not applying one when necessary.

4: Moving away safely – Failing to move off under full control and/or without checking properly. You must move off checking mirrors and any blind spots, without causing anyone to change speed or direction as you do so.

3: Use of Mirrors – The third biggest reason for failure is not looking in the mirrors when necessary. You must use the mirrors well before changing speed and or direction and act on what you see. It is really important that both the interior and the relevant door mirrors are checked, especially when changing lanes.

2: Reverse parking – The second most common reason for failing is people messing up one of the parking manoeuvres. The observation must be maintained and you must get reasonably accurate, correcting yourself if necessary.

1: Observation at junctions – The number one reason why people fail their driving test is due to the lack of sufficient observations at junctions to enable them to emerge or turn into a new road safely. You must give priority where necessary and not cause anyone to change speed or direction. You must stop at stop signs to allow proper observations.